Conformational templation in a singly bridged calix[7]arene derivative induced by alkali metal cations

The first examples of alkali metal cation conformational templation of a calix[7]arene derivative were found in the alkali salts of 1,4-calix[7]crown-4, which were obtained by its treatment with the corresponding alkali metal carbonates. Competitive experiments showed that potassium and rubidium cations give the most effective templation, with a slight preference for the former. Experimental results and Monte Carlo conformational searches indicated that the cation interacts with all O-atoms including those of the crown-4 bridge.